Our production

A dynamic and established arboriculture

Thanks to its favourable exposure, the diversity of relief and its rich soil, the Monts et Coteaux du Lyonnais have been a terroir suitable for agriculture and fruit cultivation since Roman times. It is in this privileged region that the 500 hectares of orchards of SICOLY arboriculturists are located, between dynamism, innovation and respect for the environment.

Orchards

At the forefront of innovation

Thanks to its spirit of innovation and dynamism, the SICOLY cooperative implements many innovations in its orchards, in order to adapt its offer to the new demands of the market, whether in terms of varietal selection for fruit (introduction of Magnum strawberries, testing of new varieties, particularly in raspberry, etc.) or in terms of equipment, with the aim of securing production. Cultivation under cover became predominant (anti-hail nets for apple, pear and peach production and tunnels for red fruits).

It guarantees producers a good harvest and customers an impeccable quality of fruit, regardless of the climatic conditions during the picking period.

As producers, we are aware of the richness of nature, but also of its fragility and we are the first actors of change towards a more respectful agriculture for the future.

Focus on

Sustainable agriculture

All the orchards of SICOLY arboriculturists are operated according to the principles of sustainable agriculture.

It is a production method that takes into account, in a balanced way, the economic objectives of the cooperative members, the expectations of consumers and respect for the environment. Halfway between organic farming, which is not always adaptable to certain orchards, and intensive farming, which is often criticised, sustainable agriculture aims to meet the expectations of consumers, as well as those of cooperative members.

Over the years, we have implemented a large number of actions to reduce the use of phytosanitary products as much as possible, replacing them with so-called “natural” methods of biological control, such as:

The introduction of natural predators

In order to control aphids and other pests, ladybird larvae are introduced into raspberry tunnels.

Mating Disruption

In order to fight against the codling moth – a moth that attacks apples and pears – sex pheromones are diffused in the orchard in order to interfere with its reproduction, and at the same time, prevent the laying of larvae in the fruit.

Support

A technical service that listens

Sicoly has a technical department dedicated to the cooperative’s fruit producers, with multiple roles.

Initially, he is in charge of orienting the orchards, according to market developments. In this context, the technicians support producers in the management of their crops (choice of variety and type of planting, pruning, irrigation, fertilization and pest and disease control).

Then, it must provide technical support to producers, and train them by making the various regulatory requirements accessible.

Finally, it controls good agricultural practices and compliance with specifications and standards.

And tomorrow

A future-oriented technical service

At SICOLY, our technical department is committed to working alongside producers to help them develop orchards to cope with climate change and meet the needs of tomorrow’s consumers. Thanks to constant monitoring and high-performance analysis tools, it actively contributes to building the fruit solutions of tomorrow. Thus, our producers devote themselves to what they know how to do best: growing the best fruit!